Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a Chiropodist?
No, you do not need a referral. As a primary health care professional, Chiropodists can see patients for consultations without a referral from an MD.
Are services provided by Chiropodists covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, services provided by Chiropodists are not covered by OHIP. The model is a fee-for-service when seeing a Chiropodist in a private clinic. Many insurance plans have a section for chiropody/podiatry services. Check with your employer or insurance company before booking an appointment.
I have coverage for orthotics through my insurance. How do I know if I need orthotics?
The need for orthotics can only be determined after a full biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. The practitioner should assess you both non-weightbearing and standing, as well as look at how you walk. The information from these measurements and tests will allow the practitioner to not only determine whether you need orthotics, but also the modifications and unique factors that will customize the orthotics to meet your needs.
What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
Chiropody is the original term for the medical field specializing in the foot. In the 1950's, schools in the USA decided to use the more modern and now more widely recognized term, "podiatry." Ontario currently has both chiropodists (trained in Canada or UK) and podiatrists (trained in the USA). Both chiropodists and podiatrists can prescribe drugs; assess foot and ankle problems; perform soft tissue surgery and provide custom orthotics and orthopedic footwear. In Ontario, both chiropodists and podiatrists are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
The term "DPM" stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and is given to those who have completed the podiatric medical program in the USA. DPMs that began practicing in Ontario after 1993 are registered Chiropodists, but retain the DPM title. Those who were practicing before this point were grandfathered in as Podiatrists, and have a wider scope of practice, including bone surgery (eg. Bunion surgery).
Where can a Chiropodist practice?
In Canada, the rules and scope of practice varies from province to province. In British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, one needs a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) to practice. In BC and Alberta, the practitioner must also complete a medical residency.
In Ontario, the regulating body for both podiatrists and chiropodists is the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
Note: In all other provinces, the term podiatrist is used.
Are Chiropodists doctors?
A chiropodist is not a medical doctor. Due to the variations in regulation from province to province, there is still confusion as to who may use the "Dr." title. In Ontario, this title is not used. Chiropodists are however primary health care professionals. This means you may schedule an appointment with a chiropodist without a referral from a family doctor. Chiropodists are also able to prescribe many oral and topical medications and can perform soft tissue surgery.
Are Chiropodists able to prescribe medication?
Yes. Chiropodists are able to prescribe oral NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), oral antibiotics, topical anti-fungals, antibiotics and corticosteroids. Chiropodists are not able to prescribe narcotics or opioids.
No, you do not need a referral. As a primary health care professional, Chiropodists can see patients for consultations without a referral from an MD.
Are services provided by Chiropodists covered by OHIP?
Unfortunately, services provided by Chiropodists are not covered by OHIP. The model is a fee-for-service when seeing a Chiropodist in a private clinic. Many insurance plans have a section for chiropody/podiatry services. Check with your employer or insurance company before booking an appointment.
I have coverage for orthotics through my insurance. How do I know if I need orthotics?
The need for orthotics can only be determined after a full biomechanical assessment and gait analysis. The practitioner should assess you both non-weightbearing and standing, as well as look at how you walk. The information from these measurements and tests will allow the practitioner to not only determine whether you need orthotics, but also the modifications and unique factors that will customize the orthotics to meet your needs.
What is the difference between Chiropody and Podiatry?
Chiropody is the original term for the medical field specializing in the foot. In the 1950's, schools in the USA decided to use the more modern and now more widely recognized term, "podiatry." Ontario currently has both chiropodists (trained in Canada or UK) and podiatrists (trained in the USA). Both chiropodists and podiatrists can prescribe drugs; assess foot and ankle problems; perform soft tissue surgery and provide custom orthotics and orthopedic footwear. In Ontario, both chiropodists and podiatrists are regulated by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
The term "DPM" stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, and is given to those who have completed the podiatric medical program in the USA. DPMs that began practicing in Ontario after 1993 are registered Chiropodists, but retain the DPM title. Those who were practicing before this point were grandfathered in as Podiatrists, and have a wider scope of practice, including bone surgery (eg. Bunion surgery).
Where can a Chiropodist practice?
In Canada, the rules and scope of practice varies from province to province. In British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, one needs a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) to practice. In BC and Alberta, the practitioner must also complete a medical residency.
In Ontario, the regulating body for both podiatrists and chiropodists is the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
Note: In all other provinces, the term podiatrist is used.
Are Chiropodists doctors?
A chiropodist is not a medical doctor. Due to the variations in regulation from province to province, there is still confusion as to who may use the "Dr." title. In Ontario, this title is not used. Chiropodists are however primary health care professionals. This means you may schedule an appointment with a chiropodist without a referral from a family doctor. Chiropodists are also able to prescribe many oral and topical medications and can perform soft tissue surgery.
Are Chiropodists able to prescribe medication?
Yes. Chiropodists are able to prescribe oral NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories), oral antibiotics, topical anti-fungals, antibiotics and corticosteroids. Chiropodists are not able to prescribe narcotics or opioids.
